Automated Rock Sample Washing Conveyor System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for washing rock samples from oil and gas wells are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and wasteful, particularly when dealing with large volumes of dirty ditch-cuttings, which are crucial for geological analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and apparatus that uses a conveyor system with sequentially arranged washers to wash rock samples, employing a combination of fresh and recirculated water, filtration, and infrared drying, along with RFID tagging and automated data capture, to efficiently clean and dry samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual washing method using steel or brass sieves is used, then samples can be washed, but the process is extremely labour-intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical washing operations with an automated conveyor belt system that mechanically transports samples through washing stations. The conveyor system automates the sample handling and washing process, eliminating the need for manual agitation and washing operations while maintaining effective cleaning through controlled water flow and mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process is divided into multiple discrete washing stations arranged sequentially along the conveyor belt. Each station performs a specific washing function (pre-wash, main wash, rinse) and samples move through these segmented stages automatically. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining controlled washing conditions at each stage.
2Loss of substance
If manual washing method is used, then samples can be cleaned, but water consumption is very wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements water recovery and recycling systems at each washing station. Used wash water is collected, filtered, and reused for subsequent washing operations or for pre-washing stages. This recovery system significantly reduces fresh water consumption while maintaining the productivity and effectiveness of the washing process through multiple reuse cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system maintains continuous movement of samples through the washing stations, ensuring that water is applied continuously and efficiently. The system eliminates idle time and ensures that each sample receives consistent washing treatment while minimizing water waste through controlled flow rates and continuous processing of multiple samples in sequence.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential washing by multiple washers is implemented, then washing quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions: it transports samples between washing stations, positions samples for washing, and controls the timing and sequence of washing operations. This universal system handles all washing stages through a single integrated mechanism, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent washing devices for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple washing functions and stations into a single integrated conveyor-based system. Rather than using separate washing devices that would require manual transfer between them, the conveyor merges transportation and washing functions into one continuous automated process, improving washing quality through consistent multi-stage treatment while managing system complexity through integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the time and water consumption required for sample preparation, enabling faster and more reliable geological data generation while improving environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
automatically conveying said samples, in succession, relative to said washers in a step-wise manner
Implementation Method 2
direct a washing flow of water towards said washing position
Implementation Method 3
directing an infrared lamp towards said washed sample so as to evaporate water from the washed sample
Implementation Method 4
said step of automatically conveying the samples relative to said washers comprises moving each said sample through the washing position associated with the or each washer supplied with recirculated water before the washing position associated with the or each washer supplied with fresh water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of washing rock samples which comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of discrete rock samples; providing a plurality of sequentially arranged discrete washers each of which is spaced from a respective washing position and configured to direct a washing flow of water towards the washing position. The method further comprises automatically conveying the samples relative to the washers so that each sample moves in succession through the washing positions for sequential washing by each washer.